Companies Requesting Color Certification
Within the Last Two Years

The companies listed below have requested and received FDA certification of their color additives within the two years prior to the date of this document. This does not mean that all batches from each company have received certification.

Using uncertified versions of color additives that are subject to FDA certification is illegal in foods, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices, and will adulterate these products. To ensure that you are using FDA-certified colors, check container labels for the following information:

1. The name and address of the manufacturer that requested certification. Refer to the list below. If the name of the manufacturer does not match a name from this list, you may contact FDA's Colors Certification Branch by phone at (703) 266-4616 or by email at to determine whether the firm has requested certification and FDA has certified batches of its color additives.

2. The official name of the FDA-certified color additive, as stated in the regulations listing color additives subject to certification. An example is "FD&C Yellow No. 5." A "CI" number, an "E" number, or the "generic" name for the uncertified version (such as "tartrazine") is not a substitute for this official name for a certified color additive.

3. The certification lot number. This number, which is assigned by FDA, is not the same as the manufacturer's batch number.

4. A statement of the color additive's uses and restrictions, as provided in the regulations listing color additives subject to certification.